84th Veteran Motorcycle 2024 Pioneer Run organised by the Sunbeam MCC
The 2024 Pioneer Run was on the 6th October on a chilly morning overlooking the Epsom Downs, just outside London.
The Pioneer Run is recognised as one to the main events on the veteran motorcycle owner’s calendar. The event is open to all-comers with pre-1915 machines. This goes beyond antique motorcycles. It includes sidecar machines, tricycles and quadricycles. There were a few 3-wheeled Morgans and at least two DeDions.
WATCH VIDEO -start of the 2024 Pioneer Run
TheTimingChest was up well before the birds and sun, to see the event unfold in a small car park very close to the famous Epsom horse-racing track. As the sun came up, vans and trailers started to emerge from the gloom. Doors were flung open and straps were undone. Much-treasured machines werebeing released from their shackles.
As I wandered around the car park, I noticed that most owners seemed very relaxed. There was a general acceptance that today would be a challenge, as it is every year. However, everyone seemed to be happily chatting, rather than fettling. I spoke with one owner who was riding a 1912 Arno. He had already completed in excess of 30 Pioneer Runs. There were many others who had completed the run many times.
This video captures just a few of these lovely veteran motorcycles and machines as they start up to set off on the 2024 Pioneer Run. The start was officially at 8am.
The run is approximately 45 miles (72 Kms)with a stop at a coffee shop en-route. The Sunbeam MCC information suggests that arrivals at Brighton City Airport might be from 10 am. Let’s hope so.
It seemed to me that there were fewer entries this year. Unlike the Banbury Run, this event doesn’t appear to be over subscribed. It looks fun, so maybe get in touch with the Sunbeam MCC and enrol for the 2025 Pioneer Run.
